Safety of Botulinum Toxin A Injections for Facial Rejuvenation: A Meta-Analysis of 9,669 Patients.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively evaluate safety profile for botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections among patients undergoing treatment for cosmetic indications is produced, with special attention to clinically relevant covariates and their relative impact on safety. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed (1996-January 2020) and Embase (1947-January 2020) to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported safety data for patients receiving BTX-A for cosmetic indications compared to placebo. A meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled risk ratios (RR) for treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and for specific adverse events. Meta-regression and additional analyses were performed for significant and/or clinically relevant covariates. RESULTS: Following the review of 8,690 studies, 32 RCTs involving 9,669 patients were included. The pooled RR of any TRAE occurring after BTX-A injection compared to placebo injection was 1.53 (95% CI, 1.33-1.77; p < 0.001). Statistically significant covariates included individual injection volume and total injection volume. The type of BTX-A formulation, treatment site, total BTX-A units, and BTX-A units per injection were not significant. Specific adverse events more likely to occur following BTX-A injection rather than placebo injection included eyelid/eyebrow malposition (RR 3.55; p < 0.001), facial paresis (RR 2.42; p = 0.316), and headache (RR 1.45; p = 0.003). Injection site reactions and injection site bruising occurred at similar rates in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The overall safety profile of BTX-A is acceptable and consistent with previous publications. The authors' additional analyses provide a relative comparison of the impact of various treatment parameters on safety.

Expressions of Serum lncRNAs in Diabetic Retinopathy - A Potential Diagnostic Tool.

With increasing incidence of diabetes worldwide, there is an ever-expanding number of patients with chronic diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the leading causes of blindness in the working age population. Early screening for the onset and severity of DR is essential for timely intervention. With recent advancements in genomic technologies, epigenetic alterations in DR are beginning to unravel. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are key epigenetic mediators, have demonstrated implications in several (DR) related processes. Based on the previous research, we have developed a serum-based, multi-panel PCR test using 9 lncRNAs (ANRIL, MALAT1, WISPER, ZFAS1, H19, HOTAIR, HULC, MEG3, and MIAT) to identify and validate whether this panel could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for DR. We initially used a cell culture model (human retinal endothelial cells) and confirmed that 25 mM glucose induces upregulations of ANRIL, HOTAIR, HULC, MALAT1, and ZFAS1, and downregulation of H19 compared to 5 mM glucose controls. Then as an initial proof-of-concept, we tested vitreous humor and serum samples from a small cohort of non-diabetic (N=10) and diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy (PDR, N=11) and measured the levels of the 9 lncRNAs. Differential expressions of lncRNAs were found in the vitreous and serum of patients and showed significant correlations. We expanded our approach and assessed the same lncRNAs using samples from a larger cohort of diabetic (n= 59; M/F:44/15) and non-diabetic patients (n= 11; M/F:4/7). Significant increased lncRNA expressions of ANRIL, H19, HOTAIR, HULC, MIAT, WISPER and ZFAS1 were observed in the serum of diabetic patients (with varying stages of DR) compared to non-diabetics. No significant correlations were demonstrated between lncRNA expressions and creatinine or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels. Using ROC and further analyses, we identified distinct lncRNA phenotype combinations, which may be used to identify patients with DR. Data from this study indicate that a panel of serum lncRNAs may be used for a potential screening test for DR. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate this notion.

Is there enough evidence for the routine recommendation of eyelid wipes? A systematic review of the role of eyelid wipes in the management of blepharitis.

OBJECTIVE: Eyelid wipes are routinely recommended for blepharitis, but these do not come without financial cost and potential adverse effects. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of existing evidence for the efficacy and safety of eyelid wipes in the management of blepharitis. METHODS: A search of Medline and Embase was conducted to identify studies that assessed the efficacy of an eyelid wipe option. Studies that included other interventions were excluded, as well as studies that evaluated warm compresses. Risk of bias, adverse effects, cost, and availability assessments were also performed. RESULTS: After the review of 1650 search results, 16 studies were included. A variety of eyelid wipes were studied, including common household products, tea tree oil-based products, commercial solutions, and commercial wipes. Some efficacy was demonstrated for all options that were studied, and most improvements were noted within 1 or 2 months. There was not enough evidence to determine the relative efficacy of different options. There was significant heterogeneity, and all nongeneric options were limited to 1 study, which precluded meta-analysis. The risk of bias assessment revealed concerns regarding the quality of evidence, and notably, several studies were supported by the manufacturing company. CONCLUSIONS: Although some efficacy has been demonstrated for several types of eyelid wipes, including common household products, there remains a lack of robust evidence to support their routine recommendation. Long-term costs and potential adverse effects should not be overlooked. There is not enough evidence to suggest superiority of one option over others.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Methods for Reducing Local Anesthetic Injection Pain Among Patients Undergoing Periocular Surgery.

PURPOSE: Various factors help minimize pain during the injection of local anesthetic. The majority of current evidence involves nonspecific injection sites. The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of all existing evidence for methods used to reduce injection pain specifically in the context of periocular procedures. METHODS: A literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify all relevant experimental and observational studies from 1946 to 2018. Studies were included of patients undergoing periocular surgery under subcutaneous local anesthesia whereby outcomes were reported following a specific intervention intended to help reduce pain. Risk of bias was assessed using recognized tools. A subgroup meta-analysis was performed to indirectly compare pooled intervention-versus-control differences for various pain reduction interventions. RESULTS: Following the review of 2089 search results, 23 articles representing 1135 patients were included. The methods assessed in the studies included choice of anesthetic agent, buffering, warming, dilution, needle type, administration of an inhalational anesthetic, application of topical anesthetics, iontophoresis, skin cooling with ice, tactile distraction with vibration, and decreasing the rate of injection. CONCLUSIONS: Methods demonstrating best efficacy included solution modification (buffering, dilution, warming), skin cooling with ice, vibration, transconjunctival topical anesthetic before injection, and decreased rate of injection. Further study is warranted for modification of equipment factors, topical anesthetics, and strategies to reduce pain because of anesthetic infiltration.

Status of Canadian undergraduate medical education in ophthalmology.

OBJECTIVE: To use the perspectives of undergraduate program directors to assess the current structure and adequacy of undergraduate ophthalmology curricula at Canadian medical schools. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduate ophthalmology program directors at each English-speaking Canadian medical school. METHODS: Program directors were identified and invited to participate in an online survey. The 18-question survey focused on key areas of undergraduate ophthalmology curricula, including length, timeline, setting, and nature of medical students' exposure to ophthalmology. A period of 4 months was allowed for responses. Information from medical school web sites was combined with survey responses. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 7 of the 14 (50%) program directors. All of the respondents represented metropolitan institutions of greater than 100 seats. After combining survey and web site data, only 5 of 14 (35.7%) schools were found to have a mandatory clinical clerkship ophthalmology rotation. In each case, the mandatory rotation is less than 2 weeks. A core curriculum based on the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) guidelines is used in only 20% of schools. Extracurricular ophthalmology exposure in the form of research opportunities and interest groups exists in 100% and 71.4% of schools, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of schools requiring mandatory clerkship ophthalmology rotations is only 35.7%. However, most departments use strategies to optimize the limited time allotted to ophthalmology rotations during medical school. A greater degree of adherence to the ICO curriculum guidelines may help to ensure that medical students develop an appropriate level of proficiency in managing patients with eye disease.

A comparison of mesopic visual acuity and objective visual quality following cataract surgery with hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate mesopic visual acuity and visual quality as measured by objective scatter index (OSI) in pseudophakic eyes with long-term follow-up after implantation of hydrophobic acrylic lenses made from two different lens materials. SETTING: This study was carried out in a private clinic. DESIGN: This study was an observational cohort study. METHODS: This pilot study included 181 eyes of 136 patients who had undergone cataract surgery with implantation of monofocal hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs), either Alcon AcrySof (82 eyes) or Abbott Medical Optics' Tecnis (99 eyes). The monocular corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of the subjects was recorded under mesopic room illumination and OSI was measured by an optical quality analysis system using double-pass wavefront method. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 60.07±18.82 months. Eyes implanted with Tecnis IOLs had statistically significantly better mesopic CDVA (0.08±0.08) compared to those implanted with AcrySof IOLs (0.11±0.07) (P=0.020). Mesopic CDVA of 20/25 or better was found in 79.8% of eyes in the Tecnis group compared to 62.2% of eyes in AcrySof group. Similarly, OSI was also found to be statistically significantly better for Tecnis IOLs compared to AcrySof IOL group (mean OSI, Tecnis: 1.65±0.92, AcrySof: 2.01±1.36; P=0.033). When glaucomatous eyes were excluded, OSI was still significantly better (P=0.028) in the Tecnis IOL group. CONCLUSION: The eyes implanted with Tecnis IOLs showed better long-term optical performance in terms of both OSI and mesopic visual acuity in comparison to those with AcrySof IOLs.

Safety and feasibility of phlebotomy with controlled hypovolemia to minimize blood loss in liver resections.

BACKGROUND: Liver resection can be associated with significant blood loss and transfusion. Whole blood phlebotomy is an under-reported technique, distinct from acute normovolemic hemodilution, the goal of which is to minimize blood loss in liver operation. This work sought to report on its safety and feasibility and to describe technical considerations. METHODS: Consecutive patients who had an elective liver resection and concurrent phlebotomy between 2013 and 2016 were examined prospectively. Formal Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined a priori. All surgical indications were allowed. All procedures were carried out with a stated goal of low central venous pressure anesthesia (<5 cm H2O). The target phlebotomy volume was 7-10 mL/kg of patient body weight. The removed blood was not replaced by intravenous fluid. Removed blood was returned back to the patient after parenchymal transection. Safety end points were examined. A historic cohort (2010-2014) of major resections was included for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients underwent liver resection with phlebotomy (86% major) and 101 without. Half had metastatic colorectal cancer. The median phlebotomy volume was 7.2 mg/kg (4.7-10.2), yielding a median drop in central venous pressure of 3 cm H2O (0-15). Median blood loss was 400 vs 700 mL (P = .0016), and the perioperative transfusion rate was 8.1% vs 32% (P = .0048). There was no difference between the 2 groups in overall complications, mortality, intensive care admission, duration of stay, or end-organ ischemic complications. CONCLUSION: Whole blood phlebotomy with controlled hypovolemia prior to liver resection seems to be safe and feasible. Comparative studies are required to determine its effectiveness.

Complete pathological response following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer - a case report and review.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is among the top 5 most common cancers worldwide, but is particularly devastating due to its insidious nature. Complete surgical resection remains the only potential curative treatment, although only 20 % of patients present with a resectable tumor. Patients may alternatively present with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer or locally advanced pancreatic cancer and can be offered treatment with neoadjuvant intent. The effectiveness of these treatments is unclear and there is a paucity of data to suggest one optimal treatment approach. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 61-year-old female who presented with a two-week history of obstructive jaundice in the context of vague abdominal pain that had been ongoing for years prior to her visit. CT scan of the abdomen confirmed a hypovascular mass in the uncinate process consistent with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma was confirmed with endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration cytology. Following multidisciplinary discussion, it was recommended that she undergo treatment with FOLFIRINOX. After a total of 13 cycles, follow up CT revealed that the lesion had decreased in size and she was offered resection as a potentially curative treatment. She underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Final pathology report revealed no evidence of residual adenocarcinoma (ypT0 ypN0 (0/23)). The patient remains disease-free 15 months following surgery. CONCLUSION: To date, there have been very few reports of a complete pathological response following neoadjuvant therapy in borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer. This report describes a unique case of a complete pathological remission in a patient with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer following FOLFIRINOX therapy alone and adds to the growing base of evidence meriting the initiation of clinical trials to assess the efficacy of FOLFIRINOX in these subsets of pancreatic cancer.

The role of routine preoperative upper endoscopy in bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The necessity of routine preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) before bariatric surgery is controversial. European guidelines recommend routine EGD while North American guidelines recommend a selective approach. OBJECTIVE: Perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the proportion and scope of clinical findings discovered at preoperative EGD. SETTING: Academic hospital, Canada. METHODS: A search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases included MeSH terms "bariatric surgery," "endoscopy," and "preoperative." Inclusion criteria were any case series, cohort study, or clinical trial describing results of preoperative EGD for any bariatric surgery. Exclusion criteria were studies with<10 patients, patients<18 years of age, or revisional operations. Changes in surgical and medical management and proportions of pathologic findings were extracted and combined in a meta-analysis using the random effects model. RESULTS: Initial search identified 532 citations. Forty-eight were included after full text review. Included studies comprised 12,261 patients with a mean (SD) age of 40.5 (1.3) years and body mass index of 46.3 (1.5) kg/m(2). The majority of patients (77.1%) were female. The proportion of EGDs resulting in a change in surgical management was 7.8%. After removing benign findings with controversial impact on management (hiatal hernia, gastritis, peptic ulcer), this was found to be .4%. Changes in medical management were seen in 27.5%, but after eliminating Helicobacter pylori eradication, this was found to be 2.5%. CONCLUSION: Preoperative EGD in average-risk, asymptomatic bariatric surgery patients should be considered optional, as the proportion of EGDs that resulted in important changes in management was low.